Muscle tear of the ankle

A muscle tear is an acute or chronic soft tissue injury that occurs to muscle. The muscle becomes overstretched and receives more physical stress than it can handle. The tears can occur partially or completely. Acute tears tend to happen with recent trauma or injury whereas chronic tears are related to repetitive movement over a long period of time.Muscle tears are classified by degree of severity: first degree (mildest - some tearing still with full range of motion), second degree (moderate - torn, painful with limited motion) and third degree (severe - torn with limited or no movement).In the ankle there are multiple muscles that can be torn: peroneus longus, peroneus brevis, gastrocnemius, soleus, posterior tibialis, and anterior tibialis. The tendons of these muscles become very small at the anke and foot, and if there is a concern at that level, dedicated imaging would be required.*Not covered in patients over 1.73m in height.*